Brighton artist joins city snail trail '“ by designing his own sculpture

David Shrigley (Credit: Victor Frankowski) SUS-180215-082604001

Fifty giant snails are set to hit the streets of Brighton and Hove next month as part of Snailspace, a fundraising trail for Martlets Hospice in Hove.

It follows the success of Snowdogs by the Sea in 2016.

Peter James is sponsoring his very own snail for Snailspace later this year (Photograph: Vervate)

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Other local celebrities that have designed snail sculptures include author Peter James and DJ Noman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim), as well as businesses, schools and other organisations.

Shrigley’s contribution, sponsored by printers One Digital, will be sited outside the Grade 1 listed Brighton Dome on Church Street.

Best known for his dark and funny drawings that comment on the absurdity of modern society, David Shrigley was nominated for the prestigious Turner Prize in 2013.

Cassette Lord and Fatboy Slim with their giant snail sculpture for Snailspace

Last year, he created Really Good - a seven-metre-high bronze sculpture of a thumbs-up - for Trafalgar Square’s Fourth Plinth.

As the first locally-based guest director of Brighton Festival, Shrigley was involved in more events than ever across the programme from his exhibition Life Model II at Fabrica, which invited everyone to take part in a life drawing class with a difference, to the world premiere of alt/pop rock musical Problem in Brighton at The Old Market.

On his involvement in the project, he said: “I’m very happy to participate in this project and to be able to help the wonderful work of the Martlets hospice.”

Imelda Glackin, CEO of Martlets Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that David Shrigley is designing a snail for our Snailspace public art event and it is highly fitting that it will be displayed at Brighton Dome, in the year that he was guest director of the Brighton Festival. We’d like to thank One Digital for sponsoring this snail and supporting our campaign which will ultimately help fund our life-changing care.”

Artist Martha Mitchell working on her snail SUS-180718-164506001

Lynn Brazier from One Digital said: “Our connection with Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival extends many years and we have happily supported the Festival and will continue to do so. To have the opportunity to sponsor the snail, designed by David Shrigley and to be positioned at the beautiful Brighton Dome, was most welcome and a very easy decision to make. Above all we are very pleased to be involved with helping raise money for Martlets Hospice and support the amazing work they do. Let’s hope we beat last years’ fundraiser – we do love a challenge!”

Snailspace will launch on September 15 and run until November 18.

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